Interview: Chase Lap of Lionize

Prior to their show in Manchester, Adam Lancaster (of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation) and his daughter Niobe Grace had a very brief chat with Chase Lap, drummer with American rockers, Lionize. After a warm welcome from Chase, the dynamic duo got down to business…

Adam: How did you end up touring with Clutch?

We’re from the same town as Clutch and for me personally I took drum lessons from a guy called Walter. He also taught Clutch’s drummer and he would bring in musicians from all over and would hang out in the area. He was heavily involved in the music scene in that area.

A: What music did you listen to when you were growing up and how did it affect the music you play now?

Both my parents were listening to a lot of classic rock such as Led Zepplin and I kinda grew up on that. When I was of the age where I started picking stuff on my own to listen to, I started to branch more into heavier stuff. Walter got me into a lot of jazz which really opened my listening spectrum.

A: When did you start playing drums and were they your first instrument?

I started playing drums when I was fifteen. When I was about seven I took a year of clarinet in the school that lasted about a year. The first real instrument I wanted to start learning was the drums and I was about fifteen.

Niobe: What is your favourite food?

That’s a tough one. Being from Maryland, during summer we pick a lot of crabs so I’d say that’s one of my favourites.

A: You’ve been building a studio as well if I’m correct?

Yes, that’s correct. We put out two EP’s in the past year and we did pretty much everything ourselves. We did all the recording except for the rhythm section. It was definitely a really good thing to do in terms of a learning experience. When you go through that process, you learn a lot of new things.

A: You’ve been together as a band for a while now. What advice would you give to new acts?

If it’s something that you have a strong passion for then stick with it. Play as much as you can and go out and meet as many people as you can. If you keep going and the passion is still there then good things will happen.